Ruby Falls Honors 2 Employees With Annual Steiner Scholarship
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Ruby Falls announces the selection of two employees to receive the annual John Thomas Steiner, Sr. Memorial Scholarship. Heather Allen and Shelby Smith are receiving the award for their passion for the community and dedication to academic goals.
Heather Allen, a senior at UTC, has been employed at Ruby Falls as a tour guide since 2019. After moving to Chattanooga last year, Ms. Allen joined the Christian sorority, Sigma Phi Lambda, and was elected vice president. Through her officer duties, Ms.
Allen is able to serve the community and volunteer at the local Ronald McDonald House. Ms. Allen says, “I am not the same Heather Allen that moved to Chattanooga a year ago, and I hope to be a better version of the Heather of now in the future, because I have been granted the opportunity to develop the sentiment of connection to my community.” Ms. Allen is on track to graduate with a degree in graphic design with a minor in computer science.
A Ruby Falls team member since May 2019, Shelby Smith has illustrated the ability to balance work, school and extracurricular activities, officials said. Throughout her academic career, Ms. Smith was a member of the Dade County Marching Band, all while earning her Serve Safe certificate. During the five years she was on the color guard team with the band, Ms. Smith was able to expand her education in leadership and community involvement. “Color guard was a significant experience and made me the person I am today by showing the meaning of teamwork and being confident in anything and everything I do,” says Ms. Smith. Following her recent high school graduation, Ms. Smith has enrolled at Georgia Northwestern Technical College, where she plans to study to become a mechanic.
The Steiner scholarship was established in 2008 to honor the memory of the former Ruby Falls president and seeks to recognize Ruby Falls employees who have demonstrated commitment and passion for their community and careers. Motiva Steiner, widow of the late “Jack” Steiner, Sr., presented the awards.